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SUNDAY: 8:30AM, 10:00AM, 11:30AM

COVID-19 News and Updates

New Pastoral Guidelines for Church Attendance Begin June 2, 2021

 

Last week the Catholic Bishops of Ohio announced the lifting of the dispensation to attend Sunday Mass and
Holy Days of Obligation for their respective dioceses, except for those who are ill, have significant health risk
factors or care for someone who is immune-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or
anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons. This decree will take effect on the weekend
of June 5-6, 2021. The following changes will take effect here at St. Christopher on June 2, 2021:

 

  • Face Masks are no longer required but are strongly suggested for those who have not yet received the
    COVID-19 vaccine or are otherwise vulnerable. Respect is to be shown to those following CDC and state and
    local guidelines, as well as for those, who for personal reasons, choose to continue to wear facemasks and
    practice social distancing.
  • All entrances and exits to the church will be open.
  • Hand Sanitizers will continue to be provided at the church entrances.
  • Social distancing is no longer required. All the pews in the church will be available for seating.
  • The use of Holy Water fonts is permitted. Holy Water will be replaced and basins cleaned regularly.
  • Hymnals will be returned to the pews to facilitate full participation during Mass.
  • The Offertory Collection, for the time being, will be taken up in baskets available at all the doors.
  • The Sign of Peace among the faithful is permitted. However, there should be no exchange of physical contact between persons who are not of the same household or family.
  • Holy Communion: The distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended until further notice. As a precaution, individuals are encouraged to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
  • Church Bulletins will be distributed upon exiting at the end of Mass.
  • Cleaning of the Church and other public places will take place on a regular schedule.
  • Live Streaming of the 5:00 Mass on Saturday will continue.
  • Visitation to the homebound, hospitalized and nursing homes (where permitted) will resume. Please notify the Parish Office when there is a need for this ministry.
  • Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we all work together to remain safe and healthy.
  • Please continue to pray for a complete end to the pandemic, for those who died from the pandemic or lost loved ones and for all health care workers who have bravely worked and ministered to the sick.

 

– Fr. John